Page 48 of Tempting Devil

I spun around, eyes wide in panic, my pulse increasing. “A liability? What are you?—”

“Not to you,” he quickly assured me. “But to Liam. And James. Imagine how Liam would react if Imogene just so happens to say, ‘Hey. Did you know Gideon Saint is actually Samuel Tate? Small world, right?’”

I blinked, my mind spinning with dozens of scenarios now that Imogene knew the truth.

At least enough of the truth to make it dangerous.

I hadn’t considered it until now, too consumed with the raw agony I saw in Imogene’s expression this morning. But Henry had a point. If she said something to Liam, it could have disastrous consequences. Not for me, but for her. Hell, Liam had hired someone to kidnap Imogene. There was no telling what he would do if she mentioned I was still alive. Only knowing bits and pieces was more dangerous for her than knowing everything.

“You just said all you care about is keeping her safe,” Henry continued. “By not telling her, you’re putting her life even more at risk. The only way to protect her is if she knows everything or nothing. Since nothing is no longer an option…”

I squeezed my eyes shut as I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to come up with a single scenario where her knowing who I was wouldn’t be a problem.

Liam had repeatedly demonstrated how far he was willing to go in order to control and manipulate Imogene. He was the most dangerous type of man. He’d make you think he was your best friend one minute, then stab you in the back the next.

Or, more appropriately, shoot you in the stomach.

If Imogene were to mention something to Liam, I had no doubt he’d silence her by whatever means necessary. He was already on edge with the body found on his boat, as well as the discovery of my fingerprints at Alton’s cabin.

Things would only get worse once word about a missing funeral director finally started hitting the airwaves.

The same funeral director who was hired to clean up his mess.

“There’s a risk she’ll go to the police before I’ve finished,” I said. “She could not only implicate me, but also you.”

“I told you from the beginning.” He placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “I’m with you, no matter where this leads. Even if it’s straight down to hell. I’ve got your back, brother. Always.” He paused, his eyes locking on mine. “You have to decide what’s more important to you. Imogene’s safety. Or this vendetta.”

I pulled away and ran my hand over my face as I exhaled a long breath, the weight of everything a suffocating weight on my chest.

Weeks ago, it wouldn’t have even been a question. I lived and breathed revenge. I was a servant to my vengeance.

But now that I’d seen her tears as she continued to mourn the man I once was, I found myself feeling things I didn’t think possible again.

I meant what I told her the other night. I was falling for her. And not as Samuel.

But as the man I was now.

There was a chance Imogene would turn me in once she learned the extent of my depravity. But it was better than any harm coming to her. I’d never be able to live with myself if that happened.

Facing Henry, I gave him a subtle nod. “I’ll tell her.”

Chapter Nineteen

Imogene

“Are you feeling more rested?” Mom asked later that afternoon when I finally emerged from my room and into the kitchen.

If it were up to me, I would have stayed in my bed all day, curled up in a ball as I attempted to make sense out of everything I learned. But that would only make her more suspicious. Would only cause her to ask questions I wasn’t ready to answer.

I doubted I’d ever be.

“A little,” I lied.

In reality, I hadn’t slept a wink. How could I?My mind was consumed with thoughts and questions about Samuel and why he kept the truth from me.

“I’m about to whip up some of my strawberry shortcake cookies.” She opened the cupboard door, pulling out the items she needed. “Want to help?”

“Actually, I’m thinking about going for a hike up Stone Mountain.”